Latest KFF Health News Stories
Venture Capital Shifts Attention To Rare-Disease Meds
According to a report released by BIO, a biotechnology trade group, these medicines are often more expensive but get less insurer push back because less-expensive alternatives are scarce. In addition, new glaucoma treatments are poised to shake up the multi-billion dollar market.
The Greatest Risk For Identity Theft: Your Doctor’s Office?
As news continues to swirl around the recent cyberattack on the health insurer Anthem, more information is emerging about the value of health data on the black market, about the laws in place to protect against breaches of personal health information and about the review underway in New York to tighten up the system.
More Questions Emerge Regarding Standing Of King V. Burwell Plaintiffs
The Wall Street Journal reports that one of the challengers in this lawsuit, which questions the legality of using the health law’s tax credits to purchase insurance via healthcare.gov, listed her address as a short-stay motel in Virginia. Other news outlets report on what segment of the population is most likely to lose coverage if the high court strikes down the tax credits and what ideas “beyond repeal and replace” are being floated around.
Utah Lawmakers Debate Medicaid Expansion After Plan Dies In Wyo.
News outlets also report on how Pennsylvania’s new Democratic governor is simplifying the expansion begun by his Republican predecessor and track political developments in Florida and Kansas.
As Clock Ticks Down To Enrollment Season’s Close, Federal Call Center Wait Times Increase
USA Today reports that even with 40 percent more healthcare.gov workers taking calls, wait times have this week stretched as long as 20 minutes. In addition, federal officials said Monday that tax credits will cut the average health law premium to $105. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports on L.A. County’s current enrollment tally, and other news outlets examine various outreach efforts.
First Edition: February 10, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Jindal-Ponnuru Debate GOP’s Health Plan; Va.’s ‘Massive Resistance’ On Medicaid
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Debate On Vaccines: Politicians’ Statements Backfire; Doctors Need To Be Held Accountable
Commentators take Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie to task for failing to strongly advocate for immunizations, and one medical ethics expert says that a few doctors have muddled the debate.
A selection of health policy stories from Wisconsin, Colorado, Nebraska, Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, Washington, Illinois and New Mexico.
As Medical Device Use Rises, Unapproved Tools Find Their Way Into Patient Care
Also, WBUR examines workplace wellness and healthy rewards programs encouraging good employee health habits.
Calif. Sets New Vaccine Requirements For Colleges; Autism Group Urges Measles Shots
Health officials react on different fronts to the measles outbreak, which has been linked to cases in 14 states. Also, a national day-care provider announced that it will require measles vaccines for all staff members who work with children younger than 15 months old.
Insurance Regulators To Investigate Anthem Data Breach; First Lawsuits Filed Related To The Hack
Experts warn that the Anthem cyberattack may be the first of many because of the value of health data on the black market. Meanwhile, news reports examine the security precautions used by health care companies, and what might happen next in terms of protections and policy responses.
Health Law Struggles To Keep Consumer Costs Low, Lower ER Visits
The health law’s goal to shield Americans from high out-of-pocket costs doesn’t always work, The New York Times reports. Also, emergency room use is still high, and small business insurance exchanges and Accountable Care Organizations struggle. In Puerto Rico, the health law gets an “incomplete,” and North Carolina starts paying for some AIDS drugs for those covered under the overhaul.
Wyo. Lawmakers Reject Medicaid Expansion
Meanwhile, the anti-Obamacare group Americans For Prosperity flexes its muscles against the Medicaid expansion in Tennessee and Montana. And in California, a shortage of doctors to see Medi-Cal patients.
The Countdown Is On … Obamacare’s Open Enrollment Season Ends Feb. 15
News outlets report on how state exchanges and healthcare.gov are continuing their outreach efforts and preparing for a last-minute sign-up rush.
Plaintiff’s Standing Questioned In Supreme Court Health Law Challenge
The lead plaintiff in King v. Burwell appears to qualify for veterans’ health coverage, a finding that could weaken the case brought against the health law.
Repeal? Replace? Repair? GOP Lawmakers Contemplate Health Law Strategy
News outlets report that the health law challenge now pending before the Supreme Court poses a challenge for Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, too.
First Edition: February 9, 2015
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: GOP Alternative Plan Fills Void; Fixing Discrepancies In Medicare Pay
A selection of opinions on health care from around the country.
Views On Measles: Shaming Parents Won’t Improve Vaccination Rates; Rand Paul’s Gaffes
An epidemiologist examines efforts to get parents to inoculate their children while another commentator profiles one child whose family has taken up the cause of getting kids vaccinated.
